Man City vs Man Utd: Latest team news, predicted lineups and injuries

Manchester City host Manchester United in the first derby of the season this weekend.

Ruben Amorim is under the spotlight already with his side far from convincing in their opening three Premier League games but United sit above City in the table ahead of kick-off.

Back-to-back defeats to Tottenham and Brighton have seen Pep Guardiola’s side take just three points from a possible nine with more injury problems adding to their woes.

John Stones has been back at the heart of the defence this season but withdrew from the England squad ahead of the game against Andorra due to a ‘muscle issue’ he arrived at the training camp with.  

Abdukodir Khusanov also withdrew from international duty with a statement from the Uzbekistan FA claiming he would be sidelined for two weeks.

Croatian duo Mateo Kovavcic and Josko Gvardiol have had no role to play this season, with the former absent since May when he suffered an achilles injury. Little detail has been provided over Gvardiol’s issue but the defender has returned to individual training, perhaps giving him an outside chance of returning this weekend.

There are also problems in attack with Rayan Cherki sidelined for two months with a thigh problem while Phil Foden is also among those battling to be fit in time for the visit of United.  

The England international made a brief appearance off the bench against Tottenham but missed out again against Brighton. Guardiola will provide an update on the England international and the host of others who may still be doubts heading into the derby.

There was one final blow on Tuesday with Omar Marmoush ruled out after suffering a knee injury on international duty with Egypt.

United meanwhile picked up two injury problems of their own heading into the break. Matheus Cunha was forced off in the first-half against Burnley with a hamstring issue and while the former Wolves star has been making all the right noises on social media, a return in time for the trip to the Etihad may be unlikely.

Mason Mount was also forced off at half-time in that game – a precautionary measure given the midfielder’s injury history.

Diogo Dalot meanwhile is being assessed after he withdrew from the Portugal squad with a muscle injury.

Injuries for Cunha and or Mount could see Bruno Fernandes shifted back into a more advanced role alongside Bryan Mbeumo – a scenario that could also open up space for Kobbie Mainoo to start his first league start of the season.

Benjamin Sesko is also waiting for that particular nod. Given City’s frailities at the back, unleashing the Slovenian will be a tempting option for Amorim.

The manager’s biggest decision will be in goal with Senne Lammens waiting in the wings following his deadline day arrival from Royal Antwerp.

Throwing the young Belgian straight into the team has its own risks, but Altay Bayindir’s error-strewn start to the season calls for drastic action with Andre Onana out the door heading for Trabzonspor.

Man City XI to face Man Utd – Metro prediction

Guardiola also has a big decision in goal and Gianluigi Donnarumma could be in line to come straight into the starting XI for his new side.

While there is still time for a few to recover, City’s attacking options suddenly look very stretched if Foden joins Marmoush and Cherki in missing out.

Man Utd XI to face Man City – Metro prediction

With Lammens only joining his teammates in training for the first time this week, Amorim is likely to stick with Bayindir for now.

Much will depend on the availability of Cunha and Mount but Mainoo could get the starting opportunity he has been waiting for this weekend.

Man City vs Man Utd TV channel and kick-off time

Brentford vs Chelsea takes place on Sunday 14 September with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm.

You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.

You can also follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE blog.